Will Removing Heat Shield & Leaving it Off to Install e98839 on 2014 Subaru Forester Cause Problems

Question

Question:

The heat shield was removed but not re-attached. Does this not seem like a risk?

asked by: Erin T

0

Expert Reply:

Actually, removing and leaving off the heat shields won't present a problem. Instead of the thin metal of the heat shields, there's now a hitch installed which will provide much better heat shielding than the factory heat shields did. Plus, if they were left in place, the shield would be sandwiched between the hitch and the vehicle frame rail and it wouldn't be possible to torque down the fasteners correctly.

This is shown in the linked installation video.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Answer 1

That's a good question, and what you will need is a 1-1/8" (1.125") step drill bit as that's the dimension you'll need to enlarge the center holes in the frame of your 2014 Subaru Forester to install the etrailer hitch that…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 5

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 6

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

You could do that if you wish, you'll just want to make sure that the heat shield is NOT sandwiched between the hitch and the chassis of the vehicle at any point. We frequently hear from folks with concerns about the vehicle being harmed because…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

For max tongue weight you will need to stay under the least rated component so even though the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98839 has a 525 lb tongue weight rating, I looked in the online owner's manual for your 2017 Subaru Forester XT and…

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Answer 11

We aren't manufacturers of those parts, and we don't have the testing ability in house, so I reached out to a couple of our manufacturers to see what information they could provide to try and help. I reached out to my contact at Curt…

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